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A
blood transfusion
is usually an immediate intervention in acute anemia situations, but it can be continued at regular intervals for long periods of time. Receiving donor blood will increase your blood's ability to carry oxygen.
It is important to note that a blood transfusion is rarely needed for nutritional anemia.

During a transfusion, a needle is placed in one of your veins. A bag containing the blood product is hung on a pole nearby, and its contents are dripped slowly, intravenously (through the vein) into your bloodstream. Throughout the transfusion, your temperature, heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure are checked regularly, and you are questioned about pain, itching, or discomfort of any sort. This monitoring is most careful during the first 15 minutes of the transfusion, since most severe reactions occur early in a blood transfusion. Once the bag containing the blood product is empty, the needle in your arm is removed.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.